6-1 Stereotypes and Generalizations

Stereotypes

Stereotypes can increase our feeling of security and (in the moment) reduce the sense of confusion that comes when we are in ambiguous cultural situations. The problem with stereotypes is that they are evaluative, in that they assign absolute personal traits to a group of people. They essentialize and support less complex and more selective perceptions and experiences. Regardless of whether they are considered positive or negative, they place people in boxes and limit them to specific perspectives and characteristics. Stereotypes create barriers because they can undermine a more in-depth understanding of similarities and differences.

As an evaluative device, stereotypes can further support:

• biased views for or against a group.
• prejudice for groups that don’t share similar characteristics or norms as an individual’s group.
• explicit statements / policies that discriminate against certain groups.

Generalizations

Cultural generalizations, on the other hand, can help reduce barriers and create greater flexibility and room for understanding. Cultural generalizations are meant to be neutral, relative descriptions of preferences typically shown to be shared by many (and even a majority) of the people from a particular cultural group. Cultural generalizations rely on an understanding of more complex cultural patterns and information based on facts, experiences, examples, or logic. There is caveat however - one must recognize that the generalizations are relative, and do not apply to every member of a cultural group.

Stereotype:

• Americans only care about themselves and don’t consider others.
• Germans are too direct when they communicate.

Generalization:

• There is a tendency for many Americans to be more individualistic and independent.
• Most Germans that I’ve interacted with, prefer direct rather than indirect communication.